August 3, 2013

Something a little different. A reclaimed tapestry made into a giant bag for sewing , knitting and stitching things.

This commission from a fellow ‘textillite’ was very open-ended . Make a bag for all the sewing and knitting things for friend who loves harrysdesk and pink.

After getting permission I tried something that has been floating about in my mind for a while.

Many of the bags of bits and pieces from the op shop have the pieces from tapestries that have been forgotten about….some not even started.

This vintage style tapestry of Pierrot (Clown) and Horse was in perfect condition. It is most likely from the 80’s (some of you might remember) when pierrot had a bit of a resurgence. I am hoping the receiver has fond memories of the eighties!

I couldn’t let it go unstitiched of course….. not completely.

….I even stitiched the pink colour panel. Yes, I know they are not meant to be stitched, but I wanted to draw attention to the parts of the tapestry not normally seen, once framed.

You don’t ordinarily see this bit either…..

The flipside of the bag is made from reclaimed cream damask and the lining from a soft minty cashmere scarf. This pocket sits between the shell and the lining.

Inside the bag are a number of smaller bags and purses for all the other bits and pieces used for sewing and knitting.

June 14, 2013

One a week for the past two years I have had the delightful pleasure of working for the lovely Belinda Von Mengersen….. she is also my lovely friend. Lucky me!

Well, now it’s lucky you too because Belinda’s work is part of the collection of textile art currently showing at Manly Art Gallery and Museum until the 21st of July.

Every three years the Tamworth Textile Triennale collects together textile artists under a simgle theme. This time it is Sensorial Loop. The shows aim is to showcase to a public the changing ideas and professional craftsmanship associated with contemporary textile practice in Australia.

The Dusting Cloth by Bel Von Mengersen. Image from abc local.

Belinda’s work as you can see is beautiful….. and according to her ‘photographs badly’, so I can’t wait to see it for real….finished.

May 15, 2013

‘The last book in the Phoenix Files series is FINALLY hitting the shelves, and here’s your chance to get your hands on a copy a week before anyone else in the world! I am incredibly excited to finally let you guys read this book, and I’d love to see you at the launch if you can make it!

December 18, 2012

Dungeon Raiders Card Game Cover.

Yes, to finish the year off I am having a giveaway!

The designer, who some of you will know, Phil Walker-Hardling, has been helping our 12 year old develop and game test some of her ideas for games this year. She’s had a great time. This has meant we are closer to the coal face of any new games he designs.

Some of you may remember me mentioning Sushi Go by Adventureland Games a couple of weeks ago and encouraging you to support it’s first print run….. well good news. They smashed their target goal and the game is set for printing early next year. I will keep you posted and give one of those away when it arrives.

But in the meantime…….

This is a great little holiday game for the family….or for yourself.

Dungeon Raiders.

We have been playing it quite a bit and it’s great fun.

It has a potential co-operative element…..although with older children with a bit more playing experience ….well, lets just say there is less co-operation.